Faith Cherotich Reveals Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet’s Secret Role in Her Historic Gold Medal Win

Kenya’s steeplechase queen Faith Cherotich has lauded Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet for playing a big role in her run to the World Championships title in Tokyo on Wednesday.

Cherotich won her first World Championships title, claiming gold over the 3,000m steeplechase, after shaking off the challenge of Olympics and defending champion Winfred Yavi.

The 21-year-old was on the shoulder of Yavi until the final water barrier when she got the better of the Kenyan-born Bahraini before going on to win the race in a new championship record of 8:51.59 to become the youngest-ever world champion over the distance.

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Cherotich has now let out the strategy that she executed all thanks to advice from her ‘big sisters’ Kipyegon and Chebet, who have also won gold in 1,500m and 10,000m respectively in Tokyo.

“Both Faith and Beatrice had told me that I am really good at the last 400m,” Cherotich told Telecomasia.

“When we went to the bell and the distance between Yavi and I was small, I kept believing and I knew if Faith and Beatrice believed in me that much, I couldn’t let them down. I usually know that I am really good after the last water barrier so when we jumped and I went ahead, I knew I would win the gold.”

Besides the need not to let down her mentors, Cherotich admits she was highly challenged when she saw Kipyegon and Chebet win gold earlier in Tokyo and she did not want to be among those that missed out.

“I was motivated when I saw my two mentors win a gold medal and I said even me, I can do this. Beatrice told me this is my year and I can do it as long as I believe in myself,” Cherotich further said.

“Faith also gave me a lot of advice on managing the race and that really gave me the courage to come to the track and give my all. I wanted to become a World Champion so I can also feel what others feel and I am really delighted.”

Cherotich’s gold was the fourth for Kenya in Tokyo, adding onto those won by Kipyegon and Chebet as well as Peres Jepchirchir’s marathon title.